The Bolivian Charangos

The charango is a Bolivian/Andean folk instrument which evolved from the 16th/17th century Spanish vihuela de mano. It looks like a small guitar but has 10 strings separated into 5 courses. Sometimes an armadillo shell is used for its soundbox. While the armadillo backed charangos are quite fascinating, many professional players say that the wooden charangos have a stronger sound.

                    Bolivian Charangos